Beyond the Marbling

Ep 20. Blackmore Wagyu: A Family, A Breed, A Global Standard

In this episode of Beyond the Marbling, Lyndsey Douglas travels to Victoria’s High Country to meet Ben Blackmore, CEO of Blackmore Wagyu. The Blackmore family imported over 80% of Australia’s foundational Wagyu genetics, laying the foundation for today’s world-class fullblood Wagyu.

Ben shares the legacy of his father, David Blackmore—Wagyu Hall of Fame inductee and Order of Australia recipient—and reveals how their unique feeding system, DNA traceability, and brand integrity have made Blackmore Wagyu a favourite of top chefs, from the Oscars to The French Laundry.

Ep 19. Wagyu in a Land of Droughts and Flooding Rains

In this episode of Beyond the Marbling, we journey to the heart of Australia’s Channel Country to explore how the Hughes family built a world-class Wagyu operation in one of Australia's most extreme environments. From navigating droughts and floods to building global supply chains, discover how the Hughes family's vision, resilience, and strategic partnerships turned isolation into international opportunity.

Ep 18. How Frozen Embryos Are Reshaping Wagyu Breeding

In this episode of Beyond the Marbling, Lyndsey Douglas delves into the cutting edge of reproductive technology shaping the Wagyu industry. She’s joined by Brazilian IVF specialist Dr Bruno Sanchez of Vytelle, Queensland producer Laird Morgan of Arubial Wagyu and Lillyvale Feedlot, and NSW seedstock breeder Jeremy Cooper of Circle 8 Fullblood Wagyu. Together, they unpack the evolving role of frozen embryos, how IVF is helping producers rapidly scale their herds, and the three critical pillars of a successful embryo transfer program. Whether you're refining a genetics strategy or just IVF-curious, this episode offers insights for every Wagyu producer.

Ep 17. Meat with a Meaning

You asked for it—and now it’s here. In this episode of Beyond the Marbling, we head to North Queensland to spotlight a Wagyu production system making serious waves.

Host Lyndsey Douglas sits down with Harry Kemp of King River Wagyu, one of the nation’s youngest vertically integrated supply chains and a 2024 QLD Premier’s Export Awards recipient.

From natural mating across expansive northern paddocks to full-animal utilisation and innovative feedlot strategies, Harry shares how King River is redefining sustainability, genetics, and value in Wagyu production. This is Meat with a Meaning.

Ep 16. Market Dynamics in Wagyu

Just days before Trump’s latest tariff announcement, Beyond the Marbling sits down with leading agricultural analysts Matt Dalgleish and Simon Quilty to unpack what shifting global dynamics could mean for Wagyu. With WagyuEdge25 on the horizon, this timely conversation dives deep into market dynamics, trade tensions, pricing trends, and the outcomes of recent climatic events. Ground beef is booming, premium cuts are under pressure, and global uncertainty is heating up. Don’t miss this sharp, data-driven episode hosted by Lyndsey Douglas, a teaser to the Market Dynamics session on Thursday 10th April at WagyuEdge25'. 

Ep 15. Revolutionising Wagyu with Biotechnology

This episode dives into the potential of genomics, genetic engineering, and genome editing in cattle breeding, exploring how these innovations could revolutionise the industry. From hornless Wagyu to disease resistance and sex ratio alterations—biotechnology offers powerful tools to enhance genetics while preserving Wagyu’s prized traits. However, policy, regulation, and public perception may ultimately determine how widely these advancements are adopted. What does the future hold for Wagyu and the beef industry? Tune in to find out!

Ep 14. Reshaping a Business Model to Include Wagyu

In this episode of Beyond the Marbling, Lyndsey Douglas sits down with Garry Edwards, Managing Director of AAM Investment Group, to discuss their impressive expansion into Wagyu cattle. With nearly a billion dollars in agricultural assets, AAM’s unique approach to livestock management includes a focus on genetics, including a significant investment in full-blood Wagyu cattle at Bective Station. Garry discusses how AAM’s innovative strategies are shaping both Australian and global markets, highlighting the rising demand for premium beef in South-East Asia. Tune in to discover how this billion-dollar company is changing the game in agriculture and cattle breeding.

Ep 13. The Hammond Legacy

In this episode, we sit down with Alex and Keith Hammond, owners of a picturesque Wagyu breeding operation between Robbins Island and Walker Island, Tasmania. They share a multigenerational perspective on the evolution of the Wagyu industry, reflecting on how breeding practices have advanced over time and the challenges of making progressive business decisions within a family-run operation that spans generations. They discuss the role of global collaboration in driving the success of Robbins Island Wagyu, as well as the invaluable insights gained from Keith’s tenure on the Australian Wagyu Association board. Looking ahead, they emphasise the importance of strong leadership in shaping the future of Wagyu breeding, ensuring the development of a resilient and high-quality breed for generations to come.